THE AVERAGE retail price of the different kinds of special rice decreased in the capital region Metro Manila and three cities, but went up in three other areas in mid-January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on preliminary data for the Jan. 15-17 period, the PSA reported that average price dropped by P1.52 per kilo to P56.58 in Iloilo City compared with Jan. 1-5 rates.
It was also down by P1.25 to P42.25 in Tuguegarao City, 25 centavos to P53.05 in the National Capital Region, and down seven centavos to P54.84 in Kidapawan City.
On the other hand, price rose P1.56 to P57.99 in Batangas City, 50 centavos to P59.13 in Calapan City, and two centavos to P48.49 in Legazpi City.
Special rice, as defined by the Department of Agriculture, includes organic brown rice, upland rice, red and black rice, Dinorado, Milagrosa, Hinumay, Kamaros, Malagkit and other indigenous or heirloom rice varieties.
For brown sugar, the average retail price fell by P1.50 to P78.50 in Digos City and 10 centavos to P86.10 in the capital region.
Prices of the commodity increased by P2.50 to P83 in San Fernando City, P1.25 to P87.75 in Baguio City, and P1.02 to P82.95 in Kidapawan City.
ONIONSMeanwhile, the average retail price for red onions decreased in nine trading centers during the period in review.
Retail price dropped by P125 to P375 in Cabanatuan City, P110 to P490 in Cebu City, P100 to P524.50 in Legazpi City, P65 to P475 in Calapan City, and P35 to P330 in Tuguegarao City.
Prices also contracted by P50 in trading centers in the cities of Digos, Kidapawan, and Butuan, all in southern Philippines.
An increase was reported in five cities: P97.50 to P722.50 in Pagadian City, P47 to P524 in Iloilo City, P13.50 to P401 in Cagayan De Oro City, P2.50 to 627.50 in Batangas City, and P1 to P625 in Tacloban City. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera